This blog is about personal well being and health. The author is not a medical expert and the discussions are intended to fill the gaps often left uncovered. They are based on personal experience and research. It is hoped that readers will contribute their own personal experiences. The discussions range from supplement and vitamin information, to stress and weight management. There will be beauty tips and advice on how to maintain a beautiful skin, makeup application, hair and nails care.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

DVT

March along with colon cancer, is Deep Vein Thrombosis awareness month (DVT). Today’s health and beauty buzz is on the causes of deep vein thrombosis. DVT is the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein usually in the leg but may occur in other areas. DVT sometimes causes pain but about half of DVT occurs without any symptoms. DVT occurs in approximately 2 million Americans each year and pulmonary embolism (a complication arising from DVT) kills 300,000 people per year.

Causes of DVT:

DVT can develop if you are sitting for a long time in a plane or a car. When you sit, your calf muscles do not contract which helps the blood to flow.

If you have certain medical conditions which affect the way in which your blood clots. Some people’s blood clots more easily than others.

Prolonged stay in hospital lying in bed. The calf muscles not contracting can cause the formation of blood clots. Most hospitals in the US, automatically attach a compression device to the legs prior to and after surgery.

Surgery- Injury to your veins can cause the blood flow to slow causing the formation of clots. General anesthetics can make your veins wider causing the blood to pool and then to clot

Pregnancy increases the pressure in the veins in the legs.

Oral birth control can increase the chance of blood clotting.

Heart failure- The damaged heart does not pump the blood as well as a normal heart.

Pace maker- This can irritate the walls of the blood vessels and decrease blood flow.

Family history.

Smoking affects blood clotting and circulation.

Obesity- being overweight increases the pressure in your veins.

Age-Being over 60 increases your risk.

Cancer patients are at higher risk of developing DVT. Certain cancer drugs such as thalidomide to treat multiple myeloma and tamoxifen for breast cancer amongst many others are associated with a higher risk of blood clots. It is thought that they cause damage to the blood vessels and reduce the production of proteins that protect us from blood clots. It is not fully understood why cancer patients are at higher risk, but it is thought that cancer leads to tissue damage and inflammation which leads to the activation of blood clots. The chemicals in tumors can lead to blood clotting.

Deep vein thrombosis is a serious condition because the blood clot which has formed in your vein can break loose, travel through your blood stream and lodge in your lungs blocking blood flow. This is called a “pulmonary embolism” and can be fatal.

When there are symptoms, these include:-

1. Pain and swelling in your leg including your ankle and foot.

2. Cramping in the calf.

3. Feeling of warmth in the area.

4. Changes in your skin color such as red, blue or pale color.

5. Shortness of breath and chest pain.

6. Sweating.

7. Light headedness, fainting and dizziness.

8. Coughing blood.

9. Anxiety and nervousness.

Treatments may include:-

1. Aspirin therapy.

2. Compression stockings.

3. Blood thinners are the most common form of medication.

Prevention of DVT:-

Pneumatic leg compression device. The garment is connected to a pump which automatically inflates and deflates at a pre set pressure and cycle. The garment works day and night. Gentle squeezing of one leg is felt followed by a rest period and then the sequence is repeated onthe other leg.

﻿﻿﻿ Walk around as soon as you can after surgery. Ask for a compression device if you have not automatically been issued one and keep legs elevated by raising the bottom of the bed.

Take all medication prescribed to you by your doctor.

When traveling long distances, walk around every hour. Flex and stretch your calf muscles and wear loose clothing.

Maintain an active lifestyle. Include daily exercise such as walking, swimming or cycling.

Discuss your risk factors for DVT with your doctor. He or she will decide if you are at risk. Diagnosis can be difficult.

One of the most common tests is called “venography” This is done by injecting a radioactive material into the vein on top of the foot. This mixes in with the blood and flows towards the heart. An x-ray of the leg and pelvis is then taken and this will show any blockages in the calf and thigh veins. It is a costly test and cannot be repeated often, but is very accurate.

Another accurate test is called “Duplex ultrasonography”. It is non invasive and can be repeated as needed. It is less costly than venography.

The 3rd test is called “magnetic resonance imaging” (MRI) and is useful for detecting DVT in the pelvis and thigh. It is non invasive and becoming more frequently used. It allows for visualization of both legs simultaneously.The down side is that it is expensive, not always readily available and cannot be used on patients with pace makers. Some people may also feel claustrophobic whilst having this test.

Consult with your doctor prior to embarking on any action to treat or diagnose DVT.

Tip of the day:

Opt for twilight anesthetic if at all possible for surgery.

Stay healthy, happy and safe.

All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.

About Me

I was born in beautiful ’sunny South Africa’ and was lucky to enjoy an uncomplicated childhood before the days of cell phones, computers and television. After completing high school, I studied in England at a renowned Cordon Bleu cookery school. After graduating I worked in the South of France as a chef for Lord & Lady Raine at their villa, close to Cannes. When I returned to South Africa I furthered my interest in nutrition as well as training as an aesthetician, electrolygist and makeup artist. I worked in the skin care business for a number of years until my husband, our two children and I, immigrated to the U.S.A. My interest and research into vitamins and supplements as well as healthy life style and diet, stemmed from my husband’s sudden and unexpected diagnosis of multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer).